Public Art
Wander through the neighborhood and discover tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light. From works by nationally celebrated visual artists like Esteban del Valle and HENSE, to local heroes like Carl Medley III and Hannah Kirkpatrick, to the world-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art, come see the new energy of Norfolk on display.
Untitled [Glass Wheel Mural]
This 3-story mural, by internationally known painter Alex Brewer (a.k.a. HENSE), covers the facade of Glass Wheel Studio. His style marries the quick, gestural brushstrokes of graffiti and abstract painting.
View PostTransparent Seas
Created by renowned artist Jason Levesque with digital marketing agency Grow, the 40’ installation is an interactive mural that uses light and color to transform the artwork as its viewers pass by.
View PostSymbiotic Nuances
Norfolk State University professor Solomon Isekeije’s work is a dynamic collision of European and African motifs drawing inspiration from Nigerian textiles, African masquerades, Cubism and Surrealism.
View PostPush It Real Good
Push Comedy Theater collaborated with Glass Wheel Studio artist Heidi Peelen to create a mural celebrating their fun aesthetic and one of the historic Auto Row storefronts on Granby Street.
View PostHats, Music and Technology
Inspired by longtime hat retailer Stark & Legum, artist Clyde Santana and Norfolk State University students created a mural paying homage to the Harlem Renaissance, Cubism and men’s changing fashions.
View PostGreen Machine
For his second piece in the NEON, artist Hampton Boyer was inspired by his childhood love of monster trucks and the need to preserve the environment through recycling efforts and solar power.
View PostSeep NFK
Chicago-based artist Erik L. Peterson is the creator of Seep NFK, a monumental pink neon ooze sculpture installed on the north side of the residences at 801 Granby Street.
View PostThe Dance
Known for nature-inspired black and white compositions Richmond artist Amelia Langford utilized the existing yellow paint on the mural’s wall to add a warm undertone to her striking floral design.
View PostArt Benches
In 2016 and 2017, Governor’s School for the Arts students painted benches to provide public seating and enhance NEON’s street life. The City of Norfolk generously donated vintage benches from Town Point Park.
View PostPublic Art Program
Since the birth of the NEON District, new murals and sculpture projects have multiplied, through both top down and grassroots efforts. The combination creates an inclusive, welcoming arts community with a range of talents and styles. The NEON District's public art grant program supports individual artists and property owners seeking designs.
ExploreArts Archive
A number of amazing projects have graced the walls and galleries in the NEON District over the years. Some were temporary, some faded away gracefully and some rotate out over the years. Walk down memory lane with us.
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